The delegation, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in association with the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, comprised some 40 investors and services professionals from Hong Kong and Shanghai. The delegates included those with interest and expertise in finance, consultancy, architecture, energy, waste and water treatment, engineering and construction, legal and accounting, transportation as well as other sectors.

During the 8-9 May Bangkok visit, the delegation met with Thai government and business leaders to promote closer infrastructure development partnerships involving Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and Thailand.

The Hong Kong-Shanghai advantageSpeaking to Thai project owners at a 9 May seminar entitled "Hong Kong and Shanghai: Your Infrastructure Investment Partner," HKTDC Chairman Vincent HS Lo said the driving forces behind the three-way partnership between Hong Kong, Shanghai and Thailand were the Belt and Road Initiative and Thailand's national development policies.

"Hong Kong and Thailand have a long trading relationship, and now we are working on new initiatives," said Mr Lo. "With Thailand's plan for development well in place, it is excellent timing for us to reach out to you and find suitable and financially viable projects."

"Thailand is an important participant in the Belt and Road Initiative, which offers opportunities we have not seen before," said Zhou Yajun, Deputy Director General, Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government and an advisor to the delegation. "Shanghai has a lot of enterprises with strong experience in infrastructure, finance and the services industry. We have come here to learn, to develop partnerships and to make friends."

During the seminar, Hong Kong and Shanghai delegates representing the investment, financial and professional services sectors and Thai project owners including the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) and the Thai Contractors Association (TCA) exchanged views and identified areas for cooperation in infrastructure investment.

Partnership on the Belt and RoadOn May 8, the delegation participated in the "Thailand-Hong Kong-Shanghai Strategic Partnership on One Belt One Road" seminar organised by the Thai government. Senior Thai government officials including Deputy Prime Minister Dr Somkid Jatusripitakand and Minister of Industry Dr Uttama Savanayana spoke on topics such as Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor development and the advantages of public-private partnerships, while Hong Kong and Shanghai delegates discussed possibilities for closer partnership. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Office of the Eastern Economic Corridor Development and the HKTDC. After the seminar, the delegation was received by Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha at the Government House.

Long-term and stable business linkHong Kong and Thailand enjoy close and strong bilateral ties with frequent business and cultural exchanges. In 2016, Thailand was Hong Kong's third-largest export market in the ASEAN region, with a total export value of US$6.15 billion. Thailand is also the third-largest source of Hong Kong's imports in the ASEAN region, amounting to US$10.59 billion. In addition, Thailand is Hong Kong's second largest trading partner in the ASEAN region with bilateral trade of US$16.7 billion last year.

About the HKTDCEstablished in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong's businesses. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. With 50 years of experience, the HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Google+, Twitter @hktdc, LinkedIn